Senegal qualified for the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup thanks to a winning goal from Kalidou Koulibaly.
The African champions took the lead in the first half through Ismaila Sarr before Ecuador responded with a Moises Caicedo equalizer after the break.
Ecuador were tied for just two minutes as Koulibaly’s fine finish put his team back in front and qualified for the knockout stage.
Watford’s Sarr had a chance to score a 44th-minute spot-kick after being clumsily fouled by Ecuadorian Piero Hincapie.
Hincapie rushed to clear the ball but he made contact with Sarr rather than the ball.
Sarr rolled the ball into the net from the penalty spot as Ecuadorian goalkeeper Hernan Galindez looked on.
Ecuador equalized after 68 minutes when Caicedo struck from close range for a corner before Koulibaly turned the game in favor of Senegal.
Senegal have reached the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time since their run to the quarter-finals in 2002.
Key moment of the match — Penalty by Sarr
Sarr had the weight of his country on his shoulders when he was tasked with scoring from 12 yards out in the first half.
He kept his composure to score from the spot in the absence of international teammate Sadio Mane.
Mane usually took pressure penalties for his country, but a leg injury ruled him out of the tournament.
Man of the match – Koulibaly
The £33m summer signing from Chelsea was defended for his life when his country needed him most.
He’s had his doubts at Chelsea this season, but the former Napoli centre-back has proven important at both ends of the pitch for Senegal.
Key stat Ecuador vs Senegal
Caicedo is the first Brighton & Hove Albion player score a goal in the World Cup.
What does it mean?
The win means Senegal will join Group A winners Netherlands in the next round.
Senegal will face the winners of Group B which could be England, Iran, USMNT or Wales.
Their opponents will be confirmed later on Tuesday.
(Photo: Getty Images)
